“NOT GIVING VALUE”

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 924, 18 March 1930, Page 11

“NOT GIVING VALUE”

CHARGE AGAINST WAITEMATA POWER BOARD MEETiNG TOO FREQUENTLY A suggestion that the Waitemata Electric; Power Board was meeting too frequently and was not giving the consumers their money’s worth, brought forth a brisk discussion at a meeting this morning. The suggestion was made by Mr. W. B. Dariow, who stated that after serving 10 months on the board, he was convinced that there was no necessity for meeting each week. He desired the secretary to ascertain particulars regarding other power boards in New Zealand, the number of meetings, the revenue and the honorarium of chairman and members. Mr. Dariow also gave notice of motion that the question of meetings be discussed at the next meeting. Air. A. E. Greenslade: Members, by taking great interest in their work, have made this board a success. I think it would be a grave mistake to attempt to make any alteration. The working experience of the board is of more importance than figures from the South and the consumers are. satisfied. Mr. Dariow: It costs consumers approximately £l6 a week for this board’s meetings and I feel that we are not giving full value. Voices: Speak for yourself. Mr. Dariow: Name any work that has been done during the past few months. A Voice: What about the minutebook. Mr. Dariow: The minute-book is full of padding. You can find records of thanks for cookery demonstrations. We would do better if we saved the consumers that £l6 a week. The hoard has been successful because it had fertile ground to work on. Cries of “No! No!” Mr. Dariow: I know I’m only a dud; but I don’t know that I’m any worse than other members. Mr. Greenslade made an emphatic protest against any alteration, saying that by meeting once a week the board was in close touch with the needs of the consumers. A Member: Some of the discussions here are childish. It was decided to discuss the question at the next meeting.